The outer structure of your home is very dependable of the condition of the roof and gutters. Diligent maintenance and knowing how to detect signs of problems is crucial for keeping their overall good condition.

Debris in the gutters

It’s necessary for the gutters to be regularly cleaned so that the water from the roof can run freely through them. The most common issue with the gutters is the debris that clogs them and when a small pond forms, it usually forces its way into the house. Leaves and small items that fall onto the roof like branches are the main culprits. Use ladders, a rake or a broom when you clean the gutters and make sure you don’t damage them. Regular cleaning will prevent the water from coming into the house.

Inspection of the shingles

Shingles or tiles make up the biggest section of a roof. As they face hailstorms and heavy rains, they have to be in excellent condition. The easier part is to deal with the moss on top of the tiles. Scraping it off will stir the water into the right direction. On a windy day, pay attention to the sounds on the roof – if there’s clinking, then a shingle or more of them are loose. You’ll have to tighten them or bolt them down. Lastly, a missing tile has to be replaced immediately. Otherwise, the entire structure could be jeopardized.

Identifying and sealing leaks

Water will easily find its way into your home if there’s an unattended leak. The first step is to place the roof finishes on joints. If there’s a crack, deal with it with a roof sealant. Actually, the fact that a roof is segmented in that many parts makes it easier to fix the problem. You don’t have to remodel the whole roof – you can just focus on the isolated issue.

Proper equipment

Any maintenance project requires appropriate equipment so that everything runs smoothly. The best approach is to be prepared. You will probably have to replace some gutter parts at one point due to their life expectancy. For example, getting gutter brackets in time will allow you to replace them on your own. As the whole gutter structure is pretty simple, the right equipment will be enough for you to react as soon as you notice a problem.

Maintaining flashings

Flashings encircle the openings in the roof, including chimneys, skylights and air vents. If their original installation was sloppy, cracks will eventually appear, letting the water come through. If you know how to clean the gutters, then this is the next thing to learn. Take caulk, climb onto the roof and seal the tiny openings in the flashings. Still, if there’s damage in the flashing under the original caulk, then it’s time for a professional. It’s a very complex repair so you shouldn’t try it on your own.

Dealing with downspout joints

Joints on the downspouts have to be regularly tightened. It’s also a safe way to ensure you won’t waste money on bigger repairs. If you notice that water is coming out of the vertical sprout, it means that the inner seam has loosened up. By using bolts and pliers, you’ll have no problem tightening it.

Inspection from the inside

The roof isn’t the only place where you can do roof maintenance. Actually, the inside of your home can give you a pretty clear insight into its condition. The under-construction can show signs of potential water damage. For example, if there’s a wet beam, then you’ve got yourself a problem in that area. If you notice the roof is sagging, then you have much bigger problems – the next storm will probably be its doom. Another way to get the information from the inside is to check the walls in the attic. If there’s any leakage or signs of drips, it’s only a matter of time until it spreads to the floor under.

Final comment

Keeping the roof and gutters in good condition doesn’t take up too much of your time nor does it require a professional. Just appropriate equipment and knowing where to look will suffice.

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